“I was reluctant because he is such an influential guy, and what if it didn’t work out?” Hough, 24, tells InStyle in its Makeover 2012 cover story. “Our first date, I was so nervous that I just sat there and interviewed him with questions like, ‘Are you loyal?’ and ‘Are you close to your family?’ ”

“When we do see each other, we are super excited and do these cute and romantic things,” Hough, who cooks for her beau, 37, says. “I’m 20 lbs. heavier than I was when we started dating. And now we always have great wine, and I can tell the difference. So I told him, ‘You ruined my life because I can’t go to a friend’s house and drink cheap wine anymore.’ “